Headlines continue to circulate around this revenge game for Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields. Rodgers struggled to live up to the hype with the New York Jets, which ultimately led to his departure from the team. Fields dropped into the backup quarterback role last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it appears their breakup might've been messier than anticipated.
Rodgers is now the starting signal caller for the Steelers, while Fields will lead out the Jets. The future Hall of Fame signal caller would love nothing more than to destroy the Jets' hopes and dreams during Week 1 of the regular season. Fields, on the other hand, would love to show Mike Tomlin that he made a poor decision by letting him leave in free agency.
No matter how the quarterbacks play, this game will come down to which defense can do enough to slow down their opposition's run game. Turnovers will also be a massive factor in this battle. Predictions have heavily favored Pittsburgh, but there are no guarantees this game will be easy.
New York is hungry to prove they are ready to get out of the basement, but the Steelers want to show the world they mean business.
Still Curtain contributors predict Pittsburgh Steelers finding a way to victory vs. New York Jets
"Pittsburgh will look to make a few statement plays through the air with Aaron Rodgers, but this game comes down to the trenches. Who can run the ball? Who can stop the run? In Week 1, advantage Steelers." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 17-7)
"The Steelers vs. Jets game is the perfect revenge stage for quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields, but only one can come out on top. Though Pittsburgh's opening contest is on the road, Rodgers has a stronger overall roster to work with. Meanwhile, Fields struggled with accuracy issues during the preseason. I have the Steelers winning a game decided by a field goal." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 20-17)
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"The Pittsburgh Steelers get the job done behind Aaron Rodgers and a dominant offensive showing. Jalen Ramsey and T.J. Watt make the defense shine like a new toy - contributing to two turnovers." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 28-10)
"The spectacle of Aaron Rodgers facing his former team is the big story here, but how the Steelers run game looks will be more important to how the game plays out. In a physical battle, I think the Steelers squeak out a win on the backs of a brand new secondary and a few timely plays by their new quarterback." - Shayne Kubas (Steelers 20-14)
Final prediction has Steelers barely squeaking out a win in a sloppy performance
Score Prediction: Steelers 19, Jets 16
New York will do their best to open the run game as soon as the game starts. They played most of their starters during the preseason, which should allow their team to get off to a good start. The Steelers rested most of their starters during the preseason, which could lead to rustiness during their Week 1 matchup.
Expect the Jets to get their run game going early and accumulate a lead.
The Steelers have a stronger overall roster, which should give them a good chance to bounce back from a poor start. Rodgers must find a connection to his offensive weapons, and the number of explosive plays they can provide could alter the course of this game. They must be safe with the ball in their hands and not allow Fields a shot at short field advantages.
Speaking of Fields, the Steelers defense knows what this Jets team is going to do. They want their quarterback and stable of running backs to take over the trenches. Pittsburgh cannot allow that to happen. If they stabilize the run game, they will force Fields into some turnovers. They cannot let him get comfortable early in this contest, or it could lead to a losing effort.
It's not going to be pretty, but the Steelers have better players overall, and that should lead to a victory during Week 1 of the regular season.
Rodgers won't have a beautiful stat line, but a win is all that matters. New York has a solid defensive front, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Pittsburgh’s offense struggles at the line of scrimmage. In the end, a late field goal is likely to secure a sloppy win for the Steelers.